Crafting Your Own Sunscreen Sticks at Home
Lately, I’ve been having a blast making different kinds of lotion bars. I started with a basic recipe and soon realized there are endless variations. Sometimes I use a mold, but I also enjoy making lotion bar sticks for easier application. One of my favorites is a DIY sunscreen stick!
This sunscreen stick is a solid version of my homemade sunscreen, free from harmful chemicals, parabens, and potential carcinogens found in regular sunscreens. It’s easier to apply than a cream, especially for kids, as it glides smoothly over the skin for easy reapplication.
There are several ways to make these depending on your preference. If you want cute shapes and a handheld version, silicone molds are great. Muffin tins work too if that’s what you have. The least messy option is to make a sunscreen stick using a twist-up tube or deodorant container.
The ingredients are hydrating and great for sensitive skin, making it perfect for dry skin. However, if you’re prone to acne, this might not be the best option for your face, as coconut oil and cocoa butter can clog pores. Shea butter and mango butter are less likely to do so.
Let’s dive into the science of SPF. SPF, or sun protection factor, indicates how much UV protection your sunscreen provides. It’s calculated by dividing the amount of sun exposure that causes redness with sunscreen by the amount without it. For instance, if it takes 30 times longer to burn with sunscreen, that’s SPF 30.
However, SPF doesn’t account for different skin types, tones, sweat, or weather conditions. While many sunscreens claim to be water-resistant, they’re not waterproof. If you’re in the water for hours, dermatologists recommend reapplying.
You might think SPF 50 offers much more protection than SPF 15, but that’s not entirely true. There are two types of rays: UVB, which causes redness, and UVA, which doesn’t. Broad-spectrum sunscreens cover both, but SPF is rated for UVB.
Many skincare companies use chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate to absorb sun rays, which can be absorbed into the body in unsafe amounts, causing issues like hormone disruption. Sun sticks promising ultra-sheer coverage often use risky chemicals, and sunscreen sprays are also full of harmful substances.
Brands like Neutrogena, Cerave, Aveeno, Sun Bum, and Cetaphil have ingredients I’d rather avoid. Other popular brands like Supergoop, Eltamd, and Shiseido score high on EWG for toxic ingredients, which is another reason to make your own!
Natural options include titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which sit on the skin and block UVB rays. I prefer non-nano zinc oxide since the particles aren’t small enough to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Mineral-based sunscreens are reef-safe and the best options for skin.
I use coconut oil for its mild SPF and texture. If you’re allergic, replace it with a mix of liquid oil and more beeswax. Mango and shea butter have a natural SPF of 4 and help moisturize and protect the skin.
Beeswax thickens the mixture, and zinc oxide provides sun protection. I add vitamin E for a longer shelf life and skin-nourishing antioxidants. You can make it fragrance-free or add essential oils for scent and skin benefits.
Be cautious with essential oils, as some are phototoxic and can cause burns if applied before sun exposure. Avoid lime, lemon, or bergamot essential oils in this sunscreen. Grapefruit might be phototoxic, but the verdict is still out. Other citrus oils like sweet orange, tangerine, and mandarin are safe.
I can’t guarantee exact SPF amounts since this is a homemade product, but with the zinc oxide used and my family’s experience, we’ve had good results. Natural sunscreen needs reapplication every few hours and after swimming. I also use hats, sun-protective clothing, and shade when possible.
Keep sunscreen sticks in a cooler at the beach, as they soften in high temperatures. They store well at room temperature. Experiment with coverage by adjusting the zinc oxide amount. These sticks offer smoother, thinner, and more waterproof coverage than my basic sunscreen recipe.
It’s important to get some sun exposure without sunscreen for vitamin D. I aim for a few minutes of morning sunlight and more in the afternoons. Eating a diet rich in nutrients can also help prevent sunburn when not using sunscreen.
Around this time of year, I start taking supplements to reduce inflammation and improve sun tolerance. What sunscreen do you use? Share your thoughts!
